by Ray Johnson | May 17, 2010 | Fortified dessert, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Portugal
The Rare Wine Co., Madeira, Historic Series, New York Malmsey, Special Reserve nv The nose is smoky and dark, with brown sugar and more than a hint of the fortifying spirit. In the mouth, the pruny character is in full force, the alcohol is perfectly integrated, the...
by Ray Johnson | Apr 23, 2010 | Duoro, Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal
Dow’s, Porto, Late Bottled Vintage 2004 Blackberries and prunes mark the nose with an appropriate sense of the fortifying spirit. In the mouth, chocolate combines with nuts and figs and brandy’s strength. Bottled in 2009 by Symington Family Estates in Oporto...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 6, 2010 | Bual, Fortified dessert, Madeira, Portugal
Blandy’s, Madeira, 5 Year Old, Bual nv Toffee meets raisins with a spriritous character in the nose. In the mouth the weight is there, with nuttiness, caramel and a lighter shade of residual sugar than you find with Blandy’s Malmsey. I would break out the...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 7, 2009 | Duoro, Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal, Tawny Port
Fonseca, Porto, 20 Year Old, Tawny nv The nose features brown sugar and cinnamon infused into oranges cooked over an open flame. In the mouth it is caramel personified, with a healthy dose of brandy and an underlying sense of acidity taking the flavors for a lengthy...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 7, 2009 | Douro, Fortified dessert, Port, Portugal
Dow’s, Porto, Vintage 2007 This baby of a Port smells of sweet black fruits, oranges, candied berries, a notion of flowers and the spirit that fortified it. In the mouth it is dense yet already smoothing out, approachable with a silky character, very much so...
by Ray Johnson | Dec 7, 2009 | Fortified dessert, France, Grenache, Roussillon
Mas Amiel, Maury, Vintage 2006 In the nose you’ll find prunes and a sense of the fortifying spirit. The mouth shows a sweet and slick sense of cooked black fruits with caramel and a hint of acidity in the background. This wine is a great destination for some...
